#SaveRVARestaurants Supports Richmond Community And Restaurants

Coronavirus has ravaged the world, affecting everything from public health to the economy. As more people stay home in quarantine, they aren’t able to support local businesses, like restaurants.

It’s one thing to project a dip in sales, but when you see a 100% decrease in sales, it’s terrifying. This is the reality for restaurants right now. The industry lost an estimated $80 billion by the end of April 2020 and furloughed 8 million workers—all under the threat of long-term financial repercussions.

The road ahead is uncertain with phased re-openings and heavy restrictions. For a thin margin industry, capacity limits will present continued challenges.

The situation at home is dire for many Americans, too. Food scarcity is a reality for those living in poverty, displaced people in temporary housing, and people who lost their jobs due to COVID-19. Mile-long lines for the food bank are a disturbing sign that people are struggling to put food on the table.

For struggling citizens, a government stimulus check will likely be too little too late. What do you do if you’re waiting for a paper check, but need to feed your kids right now?

Richmond, Virginia citizens wanted to bridge this gap. Richmond natives Brock and Alexandra Saunders started the #SaveRVARestaurants initiative to not only keep local restaurants in business, but provide food to families in need, first responders displaced workers and other people in need during this uncertain time.

Founding #SaveRVARestaurants

When the pandemic hit Virginia and the governor ordered restaurants to shutter their dining areas, Brock and Alexandra Saunders saw a need and jumped into action.

Inspired by similar initiatives in New York City, the duo started #SaveRVARestaurants.“We wanted to make sure the restaurants did not have to donate the food—they need cash, and they need it now. And we also wanted to help nourish those in the community who are out of work or in a hard place given the current environment,” says Alexandra Saunders.

From there, #SaveRVARestaurants was born. To move quickly, the Saunders partnered with local charity Little Hands to collect donations immediately.

The flagship donation for #SaveRVARestaurants was made possible through Paul Saunders and his charity, The Saunders Family Foundation.

From there, funding from friends, family and beyond allowed the program to purchase food from a different restaurant each day and coordinate delivery of that food to local non-profits helping to feed people in the community.

As Brock Saunders put it, “The magnitude of this crisis often feels so vast that sometimes it’s hard to put things in perspective. Will a small fundraiser like this save the industry or help bolster the local economy? It won’t. Help is coming in multiple ways, but the question is when? This is our attempt to buy a little bit of time, bridge the gap extend runway, whatever it may be.”

Food insecurity is a real problem during the COVID-19 shutdown. It affects the most vulnerable people in our community, including children, the elderly, and the poor. For example, Richmond Public Schools delivers 13,000 meals to students with the highest need. One hundred RPS staff members provide these free breakfasts and lunches to students in crisis. With parents who are displaced and living in temporary housing, or out of work, a fresh, home-cooked meal can make a real difference.

#SaveRVARestaurants Helps Locals And Restaurants

To date, #SaveRVARestaurants is getting close to their goal of $100K. Thanks to hundreds of generous donations, as well as a $12,500 gift from the Saunders Family Foundation, #SaveRVARestaurants has raised over $80,000—and counting.

The initiative has fed more than 4,500 people and paid thousands in purchases and tips to Richmond restaurants.

The program provides much-needed cash infusion to local businesses as well as nutritious meals to children, displaced people, and the unemployed.

As an example, through the program the restaurant Mama J’s fed the entire Richmond Fire Department with its famous fried chicken sandwiches. And Salt & Forge rolled up its sleeves to provide 100 meals to Richmond Public Schools essential staff as well as 100 meals for some of the highest need families in the school system.

Additional examples of the program’s success include restaurants like Shagbark, River City Roll, and Carytown Cupcakes providing meals and treats to children at the Virginia Home for Boys & Girls as well as to high need families through the YMCA Richmond.

How To Nominate Restaurants And Recipients

The first #SaveRVARestaurants delivery happened on March 22. Since then, Brock and Alexandra have purchased large orders (plus 25% tip) from restaurants almost every day, delivering hot meals to those in need.

The initiative is still raising funds to go towards Richmond restaurant meals. If you’d like to donate to #SaveRVARestaurants, you can do so here.

Do you know of a Richmond restaurant that’s ready to serve the community? #SaveRVARestaurants is accepting nominations to distribute these donations. Please send nominations to saveRVArestaurants@gmail.com.

We’re living in unprecedented times. While some days it feels like the darkness is winning, community generosity gets everyone through this, together.